I have always associated lavender with the Provence region in France. The iconic photos showing drifts of purple flowers were something I could only see in display windows of chic perfumeries or on labels of expensive cosmetic creams. When I got a sheaf of dried lavender from my friend recently, I was quite surprised to … Continue reading Lavender Cookies
I came across the recipe for Sour Cherry Cakes (Višňové koláče) when I was researching beer as an ingredient in Slovak cooking. You might not know, as I hadn't before, that beer can also be used in baking. And you may be surprised, as I was two years ago, just by how tasty these little cherry-filled … Continue reading Sour Cherry Cakes
My mum used to simply call them Košíčky (Baskets) and that's how these dainty cakes are recorded in my old hand-written recipe book. Mum always made them for Christmas, because she knew they would be winners and none of us would make excuses to avoid helping. It was quite a lot of work, but there … Continue reading Christmas Baskets
Did you forget to finish your glass of wine yesterday and it has lost its sparkle overnight? Before washing it down the sink, consider using it in cooking, or even baking. You'll be surprised how much goodness it can still create. I remembered this old recipe a couple of days ago when I found an … Continue reading Wine Cookies
However controversial this ingredient can be in some parts of the world, poppy seeds are indispensable in Slovak cuisine. Like our much bigger European neighbours, we use poppy seeds in some of our vintage recipes for sweet breads, cakes and various little bakes. I remember quite vividly the summers at my grandparents' house in the … Continue reading Ground Poppy Seed Rolls
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